MPs Back Brexit Timetable

MPs have voted to back the government’s plan to start formal talks on Brexit by the end of March, 2017.

15:48 09 December 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May has won the support of British MPs who voted to back the government’s plan to start formal talks on Brexit by the end of March next year. They also voted a Labour motion calling for Parliament to “properly scrutinise” the government in its proposals for leaving the EU. 

 

Attached to the plan is an amendment that required Labour and Tory MPs to support Mrs May’s timetable for triggering Article 20 by March 31, 2017. 

 

The vote was described by Iain Duncan Smith, a dedicated Brexiteer, as a historic moment wherein the majority of parliamentarians had voted to leave the EU for the first time. It also signified victory for both parties: Labour for getting the government to agree to publish a Brexit plan of sorts which will be subject to scrutiny, ministers for getting MPs' backing for their timetable.

 

Prior to the vote, Mrs May had reportedly faced a rebellion by up to 40 Conservative MPs. So, on Tuesday, she offered to support Labour’s motion in return for the Labour leadership backing a compromise government amendment to support the Brexit timetable.